Ninth Annual Young Jain Professionals Convention
by Shilpa Shah

The 9th Annual Young Jain Professionals convention was held in Los Angeles, CA from October 15 to 18, 2006. The theme of the convention was Balancing the Scales of Life. A primary aim of this convention was to provide a forum for learning about and discussing issues that we as Jains face in the professional stage of our lives. Jains from the US and Canada convened at the Hyatt in West Hollywood and participated in scholarly presentations, self reflection, and social activities for the weekend.

The convention began Friday evening with an impressive recitation of the Navkar Mantra by Ameet Shah and an introduction of the YJP Executive Board. This was followed by ice breaker activities that allowed participants to learn unique things about each other.

Saturday morning began with a meditation session, where Ashok Sanghavi took participants through a relaxing journey. Those who didn’t make it to the session were told that they missed out on quite a treat.

After breakfast came a presentation, Discovering the Gift of the Wound. In this presentation, Aqueela Sherrills began by sharing his life story as a gang member in his teenage years and the journey that led him to dedicate his life to ending gang violence. He explained that he had automatically been in a gang, simply by virtue of the neighborhood he lived in. At age 19, however, he reached a turning point upon seeing his friend murdered. After that, he organized a peace treaty between his neighborhood gang and rival gangs. Later, when his own son was shot and killed by a gang member, he discouraged his son’s friends and family from seeking revenge, pointing out that it would only lead to more violence with no resolution. Mr. Sherrills emphasized that peace is not a destination. Peace is not only the absence of war, it is about balancing the gift of the wound with who we are. He then challenged the audience to find someone who we know or don’t know and then share a secret we may have that we feel guilty or ashamed of. Then, when someone else shares their secrets with us, do not judge them as good or bad.

Next, participants had a choice of three different sessions: 1) Passion & Purpose: Mind, Body, and Soul, 2) Aparigraha, or 3) Human Rights/Labor Rights.

In Passion & Purpose: Mind, Body, and Soul, Nimesh Patel asked the audience “Are we happy with what we are doing?” People in the audience then shared their personal stories about the choices they made and the results of their choices. A strong distinction was made between happiness and success, and emphasis was made on the importance of having a “happy” future, instead of a “successful” one.

In Human Rights/Labor Rights, Jay Mehta led a discussion on how Jain philosophy advocates for economic, social, and human rights for all of society. The audience engaged in a dialogue on how Jain principles can be applied to promote such just causes.

In Aparigraha, Dr. Anil Singhvi explained that when we are attached to our possessions, the possessor often becomes the possessed, a slave to his/her possessions, and thus we lose our freedom. We do this because we feel empty inside and so we try to fill our lives with possessions; however, it never works on any long term basis. Hence, while objects can be useful, attachment is useless.

Then came a trip to the Los Angeles temple. Inside the temple, attendees were able to view a mini temple that the British had built in 1904. This intricately carved two story teak temple, a replica of a temple in Palitana, had been made for the 1904-1905 World’s Fair held in St. Louis. After the World’s Fair, the temple ended up on display in a casino in Las Vegas for decades. Eventually, the Jain Center of Southern California was able to acquire the temple and was recently able to put it on display.

Attendees got a tour of the temple, were given a chance to worship, and then were treated to a scrumptious lunch. This was followed by team building activities, where participants got a chance to interact with each other and learn more about each other, while enjoying fun and games.

After a break that followed, the group then had dinner at the hotel. Participants were assigned specific tables assigned by age groups and were given a list of questions to ask each other as a way to develop a deeper understanding of each other. Dinner was then followed by the antics of stand-up comedians Tarun Shetty and Ravi. Later that night, while some people went out to experience the night life of Los Angeles, others enjoyed a game of charades, which somehow turned into an ice fight.

Sunday morning, those who were able to wake up early enough participated in a meditation session again led by Ashok Sanghavi. Then, after breakfast, participants had the option of choosing among three different topics: 1) Higher Consciousness in Marriage, 2) Living in the Now, or 3) Jain Rituals.

In Higher Consciousness in Marriage, Dr. Anil Singhvi, with his down-to-earth, humorous style, raised issues such as the purpose of getting married, picking the right person, what makes it difficult for couples to talk to each other, and factors that lead to failed marriages. Dr. Singhvi helped participants recognize the elements necessary in developing a strong and healthy marriage.

In Living in the Now, Gabe Anderson conveyed to the audience that we all create stories in our lives and relate to them as if that is who we are, thereby, repeating old patterns in our lives. We can, however, make the choice to step away from old stories and change them, thereby creating new patterns for ourselves.

In Jain Rituals, Ashok Sanghavi educated the audience on purpose and meaning behind various Jain rituals. Participants got a chance to learn about how these rituals can serve as a source of spirituality.

Then came a delicious lunch. Afterwards, those who were unable to attend the morning meditation sessions got a chance to finally experience Ashok Sanghavi’s relaxing journey in the afternoon. Other participants attended one of the two following sessions:

In Making Your Life a Fulfilling Experience, Dr. Mohan Sood conveyed that a person can be successful, but still not be fulfilled. He identified the following factors as essential to fulfillment: education, making work a joyful experience by maintaining a work ethic, respect for elders, love and acceptance, and giving back to society.

In Contemporary Issues in Jainism, Jain priest Jayesh Khona led a discussion on controversial topics, such as gender roles in Jainism, marrying non-Jains, etc. A highly spirited discussion ensued on premarital sex and abortion.

This was followed by a session on Anekantavada. In this session, Dr. Anil Singhvi focused on the application of the principle of Anekantavada (non-one-endedness) for effective communication. He identified characteristics of bad communication and then shared secrets to effective communication. These secrets include the following: 1) Finding the truth in what the other person is saying, 2) Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes, 3) Asking gentle probing questions to learn more about what the other person is thinking or feeling, 4) Expressing feelings with “I feel” statements instead of “you” statements, and 5) Finding something genuinely positive to say to the other person, even when angry.

The convention then ended with dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, where participants had a choice of several mouth-watering vegetarian options. That night, many of the participants stayed up most of the night, enjoying their last hours together before having to go off in separate directions. Monday morning, as everyone parted, many looked forward to seeing each other at next year’s YJP Convention.

Eighth Annual Young Jain Professionals Convention
by Shilpa Shah

The 8th Annual Young Jain Professionals convention was held in Washington DC from October 7 to 10, 2005. The theme of the convention was The Future of Jainism & Jain Dharma: Looking into the Crystal Ball. As with all the previous YJP conventions, one of the aims of this convention was to bring people together to learn about Jain philosophy and discuss various issues that affect us as young Jain professionals. In addition, this convention aimed to take the next step beyond learning for one’s own sake. This convention challenged participants to actually participate in the evolution of Jainism. The sessions offered not only knowledge, but also ideas and projects to help us as individuals and as a society. Jains from the US, Canada, and England convened at the Hyatt Crystal City and participated in scholarly presentations, new ideas, and social activities for the weekend.

The convention began Friday evening with a recitation of the Navkar Mantra and an introduction of the YJP Executive Board. This was followed by a Jain Storytelling Workshop led by Surabhi Shah. After a brief presentation on the importance of story telling in Jain tradition as a way of teaching principles, the significant role that stories play, and tips on telling stories effectively, participants gathered in small groups and presented their stories. The activities facilitated getting to know each other as the groups presented the story of Tirthankar Malli with their own humorous twist, thus enlivening the evening.

After the workshop, participants spent time hanging out in the hotel lobby while playing board games or just catching up with each and meeting new friends. They also had the opportunity to enjoy a Jain art exhibit. The paintings were provided by Chandubhai Desai, an artist from the Bay Area.

Saturday morning then began with a yoga session, where participants had the chance to warm up for the day, led by DC Yoga. Those who participated got an introduction not only to develop the body, but also to develop their mental faculties and their spiritual capabilities.

After breakfast came a presentation by keynote speaker Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. In this presentation, Chitrabhanuji spoke about Jainism and Jain Dharma as they apply to many issues that we face. He educated the audience on the following: Business, career, family, etc. are a means to an end, not the end itself, as people who are successful are not necessarily happy. Material achievements do not help us to maintain a sense of equilibrium in difficult circumstances. If we can find our spirit and get in touch with ourselves, that would be the pinnacle to our success. Anything that does not open the door to our consciousness becomes a source of bondage. He clarified the distinction between “Jainism” and “Jain dharma” but pointing out that an “ism” serves to separate, but “dharma” is our nature, our original quality. Dharma is to live with one’s own nature. Chitrabhanju expressed the belief that in the West it is not difficult to practice Jain dharma and live by Jain principles. He emphasized that contrary to popular belief, “Jain” is not a religion, community, caste, or creed, but that the word “Jain” is simply a noun derived from the Sanskrit word “jin”, which means to conquer or overcome. Thus, anyone who is ready to overcome their weakness is Jain.

After the lecture, the audience participated in round table discussions, pondering over the following questions: 1) Which aspects of Jainism do we like most and which do we like least? 2) Which aspects of Jainism should we practice individually and which should we practice collectively as a community? 3) How do we see our lives as young adults in North America as opposed to the lives our parents may have led in India, and how do these differences influence our practice of Jainism? 4) How do we interact with non-Indians who may be interested in Jainism? and 5) How do we manage conflicts between our beliefs and our personal ambitions. After each group arrived at their own responses to the above questions,

Chitrabhanuji reminded the audience that the aim of Jain is to be free. Free from attachments and aversions, both of which are binding us. This freedom can be attained, not just after death, but now in our current lives. He then challenged each participant to make the following commitments to themselves: 1) Overcome a weakness, 2) Avoid being attached to one’s own opinions, as that creates conflict, but to accept that other people have their own opinions, 3) Live by our beliefs, and 4) Respect others and avoid ego trips.

Next came a session on The Fundamentals of Jainism. In this session, Pravin Shah, Chairperson of the JAINA Education Committee, taught that the aim of Jainism is to attain freedom of the soul by freeing it from bondage to karma. He explained the distinction between morality and religion as follows: Morality is about conducting one’s self in accordance with the rules prescribed by our Tirthankars, accompanied by compassion, friendship, love, etc., while religion is about the purification of the soul that results from moral behavior. However, one should do good deeds simply because it is in one’s nature to do good deeds, not in anticipation of any reward. The concepts of God, soul, karma, and liberation were further explained.

Afterwards, the original plan was to have a picnic lunch at the D.C. National Mall; however, due to rain, the lunch had to be transferred indoors. This was followed by discussion groups on Walking the Talk, with emphasis on taking action toward achieving objectives that participants identify as crucial to address. The goal was for participants to make specific recommendations for making positive change. Participants had a choice of three different topics: 1) Vegetarianism, Veganism, and Animal Rights, 2) Jain Rituals of Today and Tomorrow, or 3) Minimizing our Footprint in the World.

In Vegetarianism, Veganism, and Animal Rights, led by Chirtrabhanuji, Pramodaji, and Mayur Shah, the group discussed the following issues: What we as Jains can do in our daily lives to promote vegetarianism. How careful are we with reading labels and checking ingredients in restaurants to ensure that we are not inadvertently eating meat products. What can we do to make it easier for people to take the next step and become vegetarian or vegan? The group discussed the idea of creating a guide to help vegetarians and promote a universal system of labeling vegetarian foods. They then came up with a plan to research what has been done so far, and contact other organizations to work together on this. Pramodaji talked about her work with Peta-India. Chitrabhanu suggested instead of using the term “vegetarian” find some other term, such as “friends of animals”.

In Jain Rituals of Today and Tomorrow, led by Samani Charitra Pragya, Samani Shukla Pragya, and Pravin Shah, the group addressed why we have rituals in Jainism, what some of the major rituals are, including pujas, samayik, and pratikaman, and why many people these days, particularly in the west, place little significance on them. Some pa

rticipants raised the question of why we have different types of pujas for different sects and why not combine them to foster unity among Jains. Others in the group, pointed out, however, that no matter what changes are made, there will always be people who will cling to the old traditions for the sake of tradition.

In Minimizing Our Ecological Footprint in the World, led by Jina Shah and Mihir Meghani, the group discussed reasons for living our lives in a more environmentally sound manner, including improving air quality, reducing dependence on oil, and avoiding harm to other creatures. Mihir calculated the “ecological footprint” of one volunteer using special software that accounts for a person’s choice of foods, wastage of food, miles traveled by car, use of public transportation, number of people residing in their home, size of home, etc. The software determined the number of earths that would be needed to sustain such a lifestyle if everyone on earth lived in such a manner. Needless to say, the results were quite shocking. The group then discussed different ways we can reduce our impact on the environment, such as carpooling, driving hybrid cars, using public transportation, living in smaller homes, and living in non-detached homes, such as condos or town houses.

Then came an afternoon break, where many convention attendees visited museums, took a much needed nap, or spent time with each other in the hotel lobby. Several took advantage of the opportunity to participate in informal discussions with the various speakers.

During the latter part of the break, Chitrabhanuji and Pramodaji conducted a “swadhya” (study of self). During the swadhya, Chitrabhanuji and Pramodaji raised the following points: The world consists of all kinds of people and we have to live with them. To achieve peace, we must find a way to “throw out” negativity from our lives. When one person criticizes another, it is actually a compliment because the person criticizing actually fears inferior in some way. We must not allow negative emotions in our beds because these emotions spoil our sleep. Worries lead to psychosomatic illnesses that manifest as physical diseases. These can be caused by carrying grudges. Chitrabhanuji and Pramodaji also explained the following: Having attachments is being possessive, while being non-attached means loving unconditionally. We must look beyond our relationships with various people to see the virtues of the person. Often we tend to focus on the other person’s shortcomings because we are attached to our ideas as well as to the other person, and so we believe that the other person should share our ideas, and view them negatively when they don’t. However, to understand another person’s culture, upbringing, background, circumstances, etc. is anekantvad. Likewise, when we open up and accept our own shortcomings, our relationships improve. Thus, in order to achieve positive relationships, anekantvad must permeate.

The swadhya was followed by a formal dinner. After dinner, many attendees went to a local garba, while others went out to experience the nightlife of the city. Upon returning to the hotel, people spent time in the hotel lobby, bonding and getting to know each other till late at night.

The next morning, those who were able to wake up early enough participated in a meditation session. This was led by Pramodaji Chitrabhanu, president of the Jain International Meditation Center in Bombay and director of the Jain Meditation International Center in New York City.

Then, during breakfast, came a keynote address by Colman MacCarthy, found and director of the Center for Teaching Peace in Washington DC. In his presentation, How to Be a Peace Maker, Mr. MacCarthy emphasized the importance of decreasing suffering and increasing peace in others. He suggested questioning policies that allow people to remain in the streets, addicts to be incarcerated instead of treated, and increased spending on military instead of housing. He proposed that we spread peace by volunteering to teach in local schools, as well as conduct adult education classes at churches, pointing out that everyone who is currently on death row was once in the first grade. When we teach peace, we must break away from being result oriented, for we may no always see the results ourselves. He ended by telling the audience “If you want to be a peacemaker, only one word matters – start.” Mayur Shah, YJP Co-Chair, then called upon convention attendees to actually join in this movement and begin teaching peace in our local communities.

After the keynote address, attendees had the option of two different sessions. One of the sessions was Application of Karma Theory in Daily Life. In this session, Pravin Shah attempted to clarify some of the intricacies of the philosophy of karma as it relates to earning rewards and punishments. He explained that although each event in our lives may have several apparent causes (nimit), there is only one real cause (upadhan). Thus, if we wish to change our end results, we must work to identify and change the true cause and not merely the apparent causes. He also addressed the Jain understanding of predestination versus free will, explaining that all events are dependent on the following five factors: time, disposition, past karma, destiny, and our efforts.

The other option for convention participants was Historic and Scientific Perspectives of Jainism. In this session, Sudhir Shah, Chairperson of the JAINA Exhibition Committee, began by addressing common misconceptions of Jainism, such as the idea that Jainism is a religion of restrictions or that it is difficult to follow in North America. He explained the following: The essence of Jainism consists of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Anekantvad (non-one-endedness), emphasizing respect for the life of all beings, the environment, and the views of others. Violence is not merely limited to dietary choices, as Jains have traditionally emphasized, but has great depth and breadth that includes hurtful thoughts, violence to one’s self, economic and political violence, as well as the mass violence of wars and terrorist attacks. We get into violence due to our possessiveness, so true non-violence is not possible without aparigraha. Anekantvad is not blind faith. When six blind people touch different parts of an elephant, they have varying perspectives of what an elephant looks like, all of which are accurate, but none of which are complete. The ingredients to overcome our vices (anger, ego, greed, and deceit) include forgiveness, conflict resolution, humanitarian service, social activism, vegan lifestyle, environmentalism, socially responsible investing, and yoga and mediation. Science, defined as the understanding of the physical world, and religion, defined as the understanding of the spiritual world, go hand in hand. Many scientific principles in the areas of biology, cosmology, math, and physics were described in Jain scriptures long before they were discovered by the scientific community.

This was followed by again a choice of two different sessions. One of the sessions was Responsible Investing and Ethics with a Jain Perspective. In this session, financial advisor John Campagna, along with Saurabh Dalal, president of the Vegetarian Society of DC, educated attendees on the screening processes for socially responsible investing, where they may screen out companies that produce or promote vices such as alcohol, war, or gambling, and they may screen in companies that are environmentally friendly or promote humane treatment of animals. They pointed out that socially responsible investing is an integration of our personal values in investments. They reminded the audience that when we invest in a company, we become an owner, and therefore, we have the right to advocate for changes. They emphasized that in trying to companies that meet our ethical standards, there is no “perfect” investment, but we can prioritize which values are most important to us and choose accordingly. One place to start would be to go to www.socialinvest.org, where they have information on many socially responsible mutual funds. The session was concluded by a suggestion that YJP or JAINA could set up an ethical investment group in accordance with Jain principles, just as many other religious organizations have done.

The other option for convention participants was Contemporary Issues in Jainism. In this session, Sushil Jain, chairman of the JAINA Public Affairs Council, had participants divide into smaller groups, where each group discussed their thoughts regarding a case study on a controversial topic and then presented their ideas on how they would handle the issue at hand. This led to a lot of small group discussions where people got a chance to voice their opinions and views.

After lunch came more discussion groups on Walking the Talk. Participants had a choice of three different topics: 1) Project Anekant, 2) Jain Dharma through Outreach, or 3) Volunteering in India – Service for the Soul.

In Project Anekant, led by Sudhir Shah and Mayur Shah, participants shared challenges they face with remaining open-minded and practicing anekantvad. Sudhir Shah explained what Anekantvad is and presented on an idea known as Project Anekant – a way to offer counseling or conflict-resolution hotline focusing on Jains. The group discussed differences in sects and how that affects our community. It was concluded that the younger generation doesn’t pay much attention to sectarian differences, but older generation continues to engage in conflicts about it.

In Jain Dharma through Outreach, Samani Charitra Pragyaji and Samani Shukla Pragyaji, brought up possibilities of reaching out to the larger community through our religion. They pointed out that we can start by teaching the principles of Jainism, emphasizing that religion needs to be practical and applicable to our lives in order for the religion to survive. They suggested that interfaith activities can serve as a way to connect with other communities and educate them and learn from them. The Samanis asserted that education serves to control our emotions as well as increase our brain power, so they recommended starting by getting involved in local schools and asked the group for volunteers to do so.

In Volunteering in India – Service for the Soul, Indicorps Fellow Deepa Ganachari presented information on the Indicorps Fellowship Program. In her presentation, she shared her experiences with this organization, and talked about some of their projects in the areas of health, empowerment, and the arts. Participants identified motivating factors to volunteer in India, ways that we as Indian-Americans can contribute, and how volunteer experiences can challenge us to simplify our own lifestyles.

Then came a session on Long Range Planning. In this session, Sushil Jain presented long range goals that JAINA has planned and offered ways for people to get involved. The focus of this session was on getting more young people involved with activities related to the Jain community.

The convention then ended with a cruise on the Potomac River. Participants feasted on a scrumptious dinner and enjoyed musical entertainment, while relishing the breath-taking views of the water and the city lit up at night.

That night, many of the participants stayed up most of the night, enjoying their last hours together before having to go off in separate directions. Monday, when the rain finally stopped and the sun came out, several participants took the opportunity to visit some of the famous attractions of D.C. That day, as everyone parted, many looked forward to seeing each other at next year’s YJP Convention. This convention truly offered an extraordinary level of Jain education along with inspiration for participants to take action in our personal lives and in our communities.

Seventh Annual Young Jain Professionals Convention
by Shilpa Shah

The 7th Annual Young Jain Professionals convention was held in San Antonio, Texas from October 9 to 12, 2004. Jains from all over North America convened at and participated in scholarly presentations and team building activities for the weekend. The theme of the convention was Jainism: An Evolving Perspective.

The convention began Friday evening with icebreaker activities. The activities facilitated getting to know each other while learning about the Jain concept of leshyas . Leshya is the Jain term for a person's aura. According to Jainism, a person's aura is determined by their way of thinking at any given moment in time, and helps determine their next life. In this activity, participants performed humorous skits to demonstrate these concepts.

Saturday morning began with an invigorating yoga session by Tushar Mehta and Rupa Parakh. Participants had the chance to warm up for the day while learning basic yoga principles they can use at home. This was followed by a delicious breakfast.

Next was a session about the fundamentals of Jainism called Jin-go was his Name-o . In this session, participants were provided an overview of the basic principles of Jainism, including the concepts of karma, moksha, the four kashayas or vices, and the five mahavrats or main vows, in a competitive format. Shilpa Shah and Neel Shetti utilized a Jain version of a Bingo game, known as Jin-go, that was created under the guidance of Pramodaben Chitrabhanu. At the end of the session, Shilpa Shah summarized the meaning behind the theme of the convention, citing evidence that the practice of Jainism has not only undergone changes in Western society, but that these practices have been evolving for thousands of years due to the changing needs of society. These changes have included the rules for our monks and nuns, the role of temple worship and rituals, the importance of studying Jain scriptures, and the value of participating in charitable activities, all while keeping the core principles and philosophy intact.

This was followed by a session titled Why Nonviolence? by keynote speaker Dr. Tara Sethia, Director of Ahimsa Center at California State Polytechnic University . This session addressed the prevalence of violence in all walks of our lives, society's view of violence as necessary, and the need for a proper understanding of nonviolence as a more enduring way of resolving conflict. Dr. Sethia described how history has marginalized the role of non-violence while focusing on wars and violence as a means to social change, citing several examples from many parts of the world where revolutions were brought about by non-violent means. She also explained that having attachments and aversions ( raag/dvesh) leads to an “us versus them” view of the world, which then leads to violent attitudes.

This presentation was followed by a riverboat lunch. Participants enjoyed the unique opportunity of receiving a guided tour of San Antonio while floating down the river and eating lunch. That afternoon, the group participated in team building activities organized by Team Building USA . The activities focused on communicating effectively and trusting each other while working together towards a common goals, skills that participants could bring back to their personal and professional lives. This was followed by a scrumptious dinner and an evening of free time.

Saturday morning again started with yoga, followed by another delicious breakfast. This was followed by a presentation, Forgiveness: The Power of Humility and Self-Restraint, by Dr. Tara Sethia. In this session, Dr. Sethia discussed how forgiveness purifies the soul and helps rebuild relationships, as opposed to vengeance, which only serves to create more problems. She pointed out that self-restraint allows one to combat anger with calmness, greed with contentment, ego with modesty, and deceit with straightforwardness. Participants then watched a film called Long Night's Journey Into Day, about the application of forgiveness in the legal system of South Africa through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The film portrayed the case of two black men who murdered a white woman, mistaking her for an oppressor and then seeking and receiving amnesty and the reconciliation that occurred between the families involved. A discussion about the film followed, allowing participants the chance to raise questions and share their feelings about the film and about the value of forgiveness in bringing about peace.

This session was followed by a delicious picnic lunch in the park. After lunch, the group participated in more team building activities in the park. This was followed by a session called Food for Thoughtful Evolution , by Saurabh Dalal. This session, presented in a game show format: Who Wants to Buy Dairy-Air?, dispelled many myths that the dairy industry wants the public to believe. Then participants were divided into small groups to brainstorm and analyze how the modern dairy industry violates all five Mahavrats of Jainism: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (honesty), Asteya (not taking what is not given to you), Brahmacharya (chasity and not violating the bodies of others), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

That evening, attendees dressed in formal attire and enjoyed a scrumptious dinner. That night, many of the participants stayed up most of the night, enjoying their last hours together before having to go off in separate directions. Monday, as everyone parted, many looked forward to seeing each other at next year's YJP Convention.

Sixth Annual Young Jain Professionals Convention
by Shilpa Shah

The 6th Annual Young Jain Professionals convention was held in San Diego from October 10 to 13, 2003. Jains from the US, Canada, and England convened at the Shelter Pointe Hotel and Marina and participated in scholarly presentations and team building activities for the weekend.

The convention began Friday evening with icebreaker activities. The activities facilitated getting to know each other while challenging our minds. Saturday morning then began with a yoga session, where participants had the chance to warm up for the day, led by Dinesh Shah of San Diego.

This was followed by a presentation by Yogendra Jain on “Re-branded and Re-packaged: Jainism’s Role in Reshaping Future Human Thoughts”. This presentation challenged the notion that Jainism must be taught using traditional methodology and addressed the idea that Jain teachings could be made more appealing and more accessible to a Western population by implementing creative ideas such as a Jain theme park. Although some of the concepts presented might not become reality in the immediate future, discussing such ideas encouraged the audience to think about these issues. The audience was then called upon to meet in small groups later in the day to come up with recommendations on various assigned topics to present the next day. The topics included: Why a mission and vision is needed for Jains, Understanding related trends in North America, Lobbying US/international companies, Messaging and promoting of Jainism to Jains and non-Jains, Analysis and update/modification of Jain practices, Leadership, Public relations, Alcohol and veganism, and Marrying non-Jains. A total of sixteen topics were covered.

Next was a presentation by Prem Jain, senior vice president of Cisco, called “If Ken Lay were Jain… Would we have had an Enron?” This presentation addressed the contradictions many of us face about maintaining Jain values while working and excelling in the business world, such as promoting strengths and hiding weaknesses of products and creating stress in the family when working long hours. This session challenged the notion that Jain values need to be ignored to succeed in business, arguing that principles such as ahimsa, honesty, sincerity, aparigraha, and anekantvada boosts a company’s image and elicits trust from its consumers.

After a break for lunch was a session titled “Creating Inner Balance… Can it really be achieved?” presented by Erik Sowder of Kaiser Permanente. This presentation emphasized the importance of balancing physical, mental, and emotional energies. In this session, Mr. Sowder helped the audience understand the mind/body connection through biofeedback technology. Volunteers were hooked up to a biofeedback device that monitored physiological changes as they performed various mind activities.

Later in the afternoon, the group participated in team building activities organized by Team Building USA. The activities focused on communicating and trusting each other while working together towards a common goal. After enjoying a scrumptious dinner on the beach, many attendees enjoyed the nightlife of San Diego, while some participated in a local garba. Others gathered around a bon fire on the beach and sang songs or discussed Jain philosophy.

Sunday morning again started with yoga. This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Manoj Jain, a physician specializing in infectious diseases, called “What’s ‘in’ for the 21st Century? Jainism?!”. This session challenged the Cartesian mind/body model and posited the existence of the soul and the existence of vibrations that bring together the mind, body, and soul. It also addressed the notion that many practices common to Jainism, including forgiveness, prayer, meditation, and vegetarianism, are likely to have a positive impact on a person’s health and well-being.

Next came a follow-up to the session “Re-branded and Re-packaged: Jainism’s Role in Reshaping Future Human Thoughts”, where the each of the groups presented their ideas on the topics they had been assigned to. Each group had apparently put a lot of thought into their ideas and recommendations. At the end, Yogendra Jain indicated that these ideas will all be presented to JAINA in hopes of actually implementing them. Thus the activity was not only a thought provoking exercise for the participants, but was also shown to have practical importance.

After lunch, the group headed off to Balboa Park, where we met up with Team Building USA again for another afternoon of bonding activities. At the park, attendees participated in a scavanger hunt, where everyone divided into groups to explore the park and search for various pieces of information. Participants in each of the groups took on roles such as leader, navigator, and encourager in the search process. While some groups diligently searched the park for all the information requested, other groups gave up quickly and spent their time leisurely enjoying the park. After the groups reconvened, participants enjoyed a picnic dinner at the park.

After returning from the park, Amar Salgia, author of Pure Freedom: The Jain Way of Self-Reliance, presented a session on “Balance in Anekantavada”. This session explained the proper meaning of Anekantavada, helped dispel some of the misconceptions about Anekantavada’s meaning and purpose, and clarified ways of actually applying it in our day-to-day lives.

That night, many of the participants stayed up most of the night, enjoying their last hours together before having to go off in separate directions. A few even remained awake long enough to watch the sun rise. Monday, as everyone parted, many looked forward to seeing each other at next year’s YJP Convention.

Fifth Annual Young Jain Professionals Convention
by Shilpa Shah

From the first convention in 1998, Young Jain Professionals (YJP) has come a long way. YJP strives to establish the understanding of Jain principles and heritage through forums such as annual conventions, establishing local groups, and newsletters.

The 5th Annual Young Jain Professionals convention was held in Montreal from October 11 to 14, 2002, which was Columbus Day weekend in the US and Thanksgiving in Canada. Jains from the US, Canada, and England spent the weekend in Montreal to engage in scholarly presentations and peer led discussions based on the practice of Jain principles.

The weekend began Friday evening with opening remarks by chairperson Sanjay Mehta, along with an introduction of the rest of the board. This was followed by creative icebreakers, involving a look into our personality types as well as team building tasks. These activities served not only to get to know each other better, but also to get to know ourselves better.

Saturday morning began with a yoga session where participants had the chance to warm up for the day with some exercises, led by Mamta Shah.

This was followed by a keynote address by Rae Sikora, co-founder of Center for Compassionate Living. Ms. Sikora has been a spokesperson for animals, the environment, and all cultures for 30 years. She has led sessions at many other Jain events about the benefits of living a lifestyle that is friendly to other living creatures and to the environment. She did a wonderful presentation about the day-to-day choices we can make regarding living our lives in accordance with Jain principles. One point that was stressed was that although our society encourages us to want more and more, our religion and even common sense tells us to simplify our lives, and although it may be difficult to carry out some of these beliefs, given the state of the world we live in, it is imperative that we make every effort to do so.

Next came a session on Our Jain Beliefs and Practice: YJP Shravaks and Shravikas in North America. This session examined how young Jains in western society practice Jainism and the ways in which our beliefs influence our practices. The facilitators, Jina Shah and Shilpa Shah, outlined and explained some of the basic Jain vows that lay people. This was followed by a group discussion on the areas in which our beliefs and practices intersect. The discussion centered around what constitutes Jain practice and to the extent to which personal choice is acceptable, as well as the way people choose to practice at different stages of life.

After a delicious lunch, then came a session on Jain Responses to Terrorism and War. This session began with retired professor, Dr. Vastupal Parikh, who spoke on the importance of studying our religion deeply and living by Jain principles. He discussed how the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and anekantvada (multiplicity of view points) are relevant to politics and global policies, and emphasized the need to be involved with various organizations that impact world decisions. This was followed by a talk, led by Amar Salgia and Gabriel Figueroa, about the Jain acceptance of one’s duty to protect one’s country, even if it may mean killing others. Historical examples were used to illustrate how Jains have been involved in the military in India’s history. It was emphasized that in this process, one must be prepared to suffer the karmic consequences of killing, even if the killing is viewed as necessary to protect one’s people.

This session was followed by a workshop by Rae Sikora on Walking Our Talk. This workshop brought the whole concept of non-attachment and non-accumulation to a very practical level causing people to think twice about what they really need and what is important to them. The session also emphasized how we can relate to people who make different choices from ourselves, even if we do not agree with their choices.

After the series of religious seminars, came a session on My Ideal Soul-Mate. This session began with males and females in separate rooms, listing the qualities they wish to find in their future mates. This was then followed by small group discussions, divided by age categories, where male and female participants got the opportunity to hear about what their peers look for in a person and the qualities they value. Single participants got a chance to benefit from the wisdom that married participants shared with the group regarding choosing a partner and the important qualities to look for.

That evening, the delegates enjoyed a dinner and dance cruise on the St. Lawrence River, and got ample opportunity to mingle with each other. Later that night, some people went out to a lounge and experienced the night life that Montreal has to offer, others hung out in the hotel lobby and socialized with friends, while one group of people got into an impromptu late night discussion about Jain literature.

Sunday morning began with Rae Sikora discussing her experiences with Vipasana meditation, including the challenges she faced in the beginning, as well as the positive effects it has had on her life. This was followed by a brief meditation session.

After breakfast was The Jain Jerry Springer Show: Belief and Practice in Interpersonal Relations. In this session members of the audience participated in humorous impromptu skits depicting interpersonal relations between family members, couples, co-workers, etc. Issues that were brought up included family conflicts over matrimonial decisions, vegetarianism in the workplace, and communication in general. Participants demonstrated ways of dealing with a variety of situations using Jain principles.

This was followed by a talk on Jainism and Ecology, by Professor Anne Vallely. In this talk, Dr. Vallely illustrated various views of nature, beginning with the Judeo-Christian anthropocentric view, where all of nature is viewed as existing for the purpose of human benefit. She then added Descartes’ view that only humans have consciousness, and discussed the impact these views have had on modern society with regards to how we treat non-human animals. Finally, she discussed how these views are now being challenged by animal rights groups and environmental groups who view all of nature as existing for it’s own purpose.

After lunch was a panel on Jainism at Work: Belief and Practice Professionally and in Public Service. In this session, panelists Rita Morbia, Paresh Desai, Tushar Mehta, and Veena Jain, gave examples from their personal lives about ethical dilemmas they face in their professions. An important point was made about how when people participate in a form of violence in an indirect way (such as investing in a slaughterhouse), they often do not feel that they share responsibility in the violence committed, even though they reap the benefits. They also talked about how we all can make a difference and spread the message of non-violence by the decisions we make in our professions.

For the latter part of the afternoon, the plan was to go on a scavenger hunt in Montreal. Unfortunately, however, due to rain, the scavenger hunt had to be cancelled. Instead it was replaced by a walk through the underground city, where people got to see a variety of shops and businesses. This walk ended with a stop for dinner at Le Commensal, an all-vegetarian buffet restaurant. At the restaurant was a wrap-up session on the weekend, where participants had the chance to express their feelings and ideas about the weekend and about YJP as a whole.

Later that night, many people went to a local Garba that was sponsored by the Montreal Gujarati Samaj, others experienced the night life of Montreal, while others preferred to relax in the lobby with their old and new friends.

On Monday, while some people had to catch early morning flights, others got to spend the final hours together, either scaling Mont Royal, devouring crepes at a nearby restaurant, or taking in the beauty of Notre Dame. The group then parted with a strong feeling of closeness and friendship, and many expressed eagerness for the next Young Jain Professionals convention next October.

Fourth Annual Young Jain Professionals Convention
by Shilpa Shah

The fourth Young Jain Professionals convention was held from March 2-5, 2001 at the Everglades National Park in Florida. The purpose of this convention was to bring young adults together in a serene, natural setting and explore of the importance of the Five Vows: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Bhramacharya, and Aparigraha. Participants came from all over North America, including New York, Toronto, Chicago, Texas, and California, plus England.

One week prior to the convention, participants were called upon to engage in an experiment for the week. The experiment involved living by the Five Vows to a greater extent than what we normally may do, for the duration of the week. The idea, modeled after an experiment that was done in London a few years ago, was to enable participants to experience greater happiness while attempting to live a more peaceful, Jain lifestyle. Starting one week in advance enabled everyone to attempt the experiment in daily life, as well as in the removed environment of the convention.

The convention began Friday evening with an opening speech by the chairperson, Manav Jain. Then participants were reminded of the experiment for the weekend and were strongly encouraged to participate. After that, the group broke into an icebreaker activity where participants were asked interpret a story where many Jain principles are violated. The activity not only facilitated getting to know each other, but also gave everyone a chance to think about Jain principles.

Saturday morning began with a yoga session, where participants had the chance to warm up for the day with some exercises, led by a videotape of Shraman Mahapragnaji.

This was followed by a keynote address by Dr. Anne Vallely of McGill University. Dr. Vallely, has written several publications on Jainism, including “Moral Landscapes: Ethical Discourses Among Orthodox and Diaspora Jains”, and has made numerous conference presentations on topics such as, “Ethics & Identity: The Jains of North America” and “Female Renunciation and the Terapanthi Moral Order”. She did a wonderful presentation on the background of Jainism in North America. She eloquently presented Jainism in a very concise and relevant manner that served as a superb introduction to the weekend. In addition, Dr. Vallely was very approachable and open to discussion throughout her stay.

The keynote address was followed by a group discussion on Ahimsa (non-violence), led by Paulomi Gudka. This session, rather than focusing on the redundant topic of physical violence, focused on the less discussed topic of subtle violence we face daily regarding how we treat each other. The dialogue opened with a comic recording of two people insulting each other. Participants explored the impact of such violence in our lives and in our relationships with others as they shared their own personal anecdotes.

After a break for lunch, was a session on Satya (truth), led by Amar Salgia. Issues that came out included the importance of honesty as well as the benefits of honesty, in business situations and in relationships. The group also discussed the issue of being fully honest at the expense of causing harm versus avoiding harm or hurt feelings by the truth.

Next came a discussion on Asteya (non-stealing), led by Neha Jhaveri. This session, which focused on the subtle ways that people take more than what is given to them, began with humorous skits depicting people engaged in ordinary acts of taking what is not given, in ways that most of us do in our own lives, and rationalizing their behavior. Participants found that it is difficult to realize that we engage in Asteya daily either on the social front or the professional front because although most of us are not thieves, we violate Asteya frequently on an intangible level.

Later, participants had the opportunity to engage in the recreational activities that the park had to offer, including canoeing, hiking, bike-riding, and swimming. This was followed by a scrumptious dinner and social time, until everyone finally retired to their rooms.

Sunday morning again began with yoga and Preksha meditation, again led by a video of Shramans Mahapragnaji, where participants had the chance to relax and rejuvenate for the day.

This was followed by a discussion on Bhramacharya (chastity), led by Gabriel Figueroa. Participants were presented with fictional scenarios of potential violations of this vow. Afterwards, they engaged in an active and lively exchange of their views on these scenarios. Many controversial as well as traditional viewpoints were expressed regarding this sensitive topic. Some references to scriptures were made and compared with contemporary views.

Next came a session on Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), led by Rita Kothari. Participants were given the chance to examine the necessity of many possessions they use daily, by categorizing them into “need”, “comfort”, or “luxury”. This was followed by a discussion of our need for such possessions and the impact that such possessiveness has on our spiritual development. The group found that our classification of our possessions varies from person to person, with regards to environmental factors, such as the place where one lives and the time period one lives in.

After a break for lunch, participants again had the opportunity to engage in more recreational activities. This was followed by a cruise, where park guides gave a tour of the unique wildlife living in the area.

After another delightful dinner, the chef spoke to the group about his preparations for all the delicious vegan food that everyone enjoyed throughout the weekend. He shared with the group the amount of time he had spent at a local health food store analyzing all the ingredients listed in the foods he had set out to purchase and how he experimented with vegan recipes that he created himself. After much persuasion by the group, the soft-spoken and humble chef finally agreed to divulge the secrets of some of his recipes. To everyone’s amazement, items such as bagels, Alfredo sauce, and whipped cream were totally vegan and created by the chef after much experimentation. The food was such a success with the group, that the lodge is considering adding some of the items to their regular menu.

Next came the wrap-up session on the Experiment, facilitated by Neelesh Jain and Shilpa Shah. Participants shared their experiences from attempting the experiment. Questions that people reflected upon and discussed, included: which vows were easier to follow and why; how did they feel about the change; did others perceive a change in them; how did the experiment differ during the week and the weekend; were there unexpected incidents; what did they learn; and will they be able to apply more self-control in life after the experiment. Many people discovered that the vows are more prominent in their lives than they had realized, and most found it challenging to practice the experiment to the extent they expected. It was suggested that a primary reason for violating the vows is that we do not think about the future consequences for doing so, not only for future lives but also for our current lifetime. However, people generally found the experiment to be helpful and found that following the principles can contribute in our advancement spiritually as well as practically in this lifetime. An example was given of ethical business practice where adopting integrity, truthfulness, etc. can contribute to long-lasting success.

Monday morning after breakfast, when the convention ended, the group parted with a strong feeling of closeness and friendship. Many exchanged contact information with each other, while others expressed eagerness for the next Young Jain Professionals convention.

Third Annual Young Jain Professionals Convention
by Shilpa Shah

The third Young Jain Professionals convention was held from June 9 – 12, 2000 at the O.A.R.S. camping/rafting site, by the American River, near Sacramento, California. The purpose of this convention was to bring young adults together in a serene, natural setting and discuss how we can improve our lives by eliminating our vices – the four Kashayas: anger, ego, deceit, and greed. Participants came from all over North America, including New York, Toronto, Chicago, Texas, and California, plus England.

One week prior to the convention, participants were called upon to engage in an experiment for the week. The experiment involved avoiding the four Kashayas from our lives to a greater extent than what we normally may do, for the duration of the week. The idea, modeled after an experiment that was done in London a few years ago, was to enable participants to experience greater happiness while attempting to live a more peaceful, Jain lifestyle. Starting one week in advance enabled everyone to attempt the experiment in daily life, as well as in the removed environment of the convention.

The convention began Friday evening at a hotel in Sacramento with an opening speech by the chairperson, Mona Kothari. JAINA was invited to send a representative to speak as well; however, unfortunately no one was able to attend. Then participants were reminded of the experiment for the weekend and were strongly encouraged to participate. After that, the group broke into an icebreaker activity in game show format – “Who Wants to be a Mahavir?” Participants were asked trivia questions of various levels of difficulty about Jainism. The activity not only facilitated getting to know each other, but also gave everyone background information on Jain principles.

Saturday morning began with a bus ride to the O.A.R.S. campsite. Participants then heard parables related to the Kashayas and were given the opportunity to reflect on these parables as they rafted down the river. After a break for lunch, were two parallel discussion sessions on deceit and greed, one facilitated by Sejal Doshi and Dipen Mehta, and the other by Shobhina Chheda. Issues that came out included the difference between “greed” and “ambition”, exploring the extent to which being deceitful includes partial truths as well as outright lies, and how our attachment to people and material objects is the root cause of greed and deceit in our lives.

After some more rafting, participants engaged in land-based recreational activities, followed by a scrumptious dinner and campfire chats, until everyone finally retired to their tents.

Sunday morning began with yoga led by Maneesh Kenia and Vivek Maru. This was followed by a presentation by Tushar Mehta, about a plan for a Jain camp for children to be held at Siddhachalam. In his presentation, Tushar encouraged convention participants to volunteer as a camp counselor as a way of giving back to the community and helping the next generation of Jain youth.

Then came another rafting trip down the river until lunchtime. After lunch were two parallel discussions sessions on anger and ego, one facilitated by Avnee Shah and Shefali Chheda, and the other by Sanjay Mehta and Tushar Mehta. Important points included the extend to which taking pride in our accomplishments brings out ego, the inclination to blame others without considering our own part in any instance of anger, and how minimizing hatred from our lives can assist us in controlling our anger and ego.

The evening then started with a leadership session where YJP committee members introduced the history of YJP, invited participants to share ideas on future activities and goals for YJP, and encouraged participants to join the board for the upcoming term.

After another delicious dinner, O.A.R.S. staff presented a slide show of participants rafting. Many slides included hilarious shots of participants struggling through rough rapids, some of whom unintentionally went out for a swim.

Next came the wrap-up session on the Experiment, facilitated by Saurabh Dalal and Shilpa Shah. Participants shared their experiences from attempting the experiment. Questions that people reflected upon and discussed, included: which kashayas were easier to control and why; how did they feel about the change; did others perceive a change in them; how did the experiment differ during the week and the weekend; were there unexpected incidents; what did they learn; and will they be able to apply more self-control in life after the experiment. Many people discovered that the Kashayas are more prominent in their lives than they had realized, and most found it challenging to practice the experiment to the extent they expected. However, people generally found the experiment to be helpful and found value in thinking about the Kashayas in their interactions with others.

Monday morning again began with yoga. After breakfast, when the convention ended, the group parted with a strong feeling of closeness and friendship. Many exchanged contact information with each other, while others expressed eagerness for the next Young Jain Professionals convention.

Second Annual Young Jain Professionals Convention
by Shilpa Shah

The second Young Jain Professionals convention was held from October 23 to 26, 1998 on a cruise from Miami to the Bahamas. This event, organized by dedicated young professionals from across North America, was the second forum of this type. The purpose of this convention was to bring everyone together and discuss various issues that affect us as young Jain professionals, but in a setting that would be enjoyable and different from the usual conventions. This event was geared primarily toward young Jains in their early 20’s to mid 30's, both single and married.

Participants came from all over North America, including New Jersey, Toronto, Chicago, Texas, and Los Angeles, plus England and Kenya. The actual ages ranged from 21 to 33, with the average being 26.

The convention began Friday evening with an opening speech by the coordinator, Shilpa Shah, followed by the other planning committee members: Sunit Sanghrajka, Saurabh Dalal, Birju Patel, Mona Kothari, and Jugna Shah. After that, the group broke into icebreaker activities that facilitated getting to know each other. Unfortunately, due to rough waters and many people experiencing seasickness, the other events for the evening had to be cancelled.

Saturday morning began with a session on Pressure We Face in Professional, Social, and Religious Arenas: Where do they come from and what can we do about them. This discussion, led by Komal Shah, addressed decisions we face that question our dual identities as well as our commitment to Jainism as she shared experiences from her own personal life. Choices like: Will I be expected to alter my professional career to fit the stereotype of what a successful South Asian is? Will I be expected to marry with the same expectations my parents had? Will I be expected to give back to my community or will that be a choice I even have? Will I be expected to carry on the religious tradition of my parents or will I be able to find a comfortable balance between Jain traditions here and abroad? Will I be expected to raise my children with the same religious traditions I raised with? This interactive discussion served to open our eyes to the many choices we make as young professionals every day regarding our professional lives, our community's expectations, and our religious commitment.

Next came a session on Racism and Discrimination in the Jain/Indian Community. This discussion, led by Mihir Shah, addressed the issue of how Jains and Indians do not live in a religious, cultural, or ethnic vacuum. Our day-to-day lives, even inside India, require us to interact with a variety of people who have different beliefs, customs, practices, and physical characteristics. While it is true that Jains and Indians have often been the victims of discrimination perpetrated by others, we are often just as guilty of the same views and practices against others. This rarely discussed topic served to shed light upon our community’s chronic inability to relate meaningfully and successfully with others who are not like us. Participants shared their experiences of prejudice regarding race, religion, ethnic group, social class, etc. What we as first generation “Western” Jains and Indians can do to correct these deeply seeded problems in our communities was also addressed. Finally, there was discussion on fundamental concepts in Jain religion and philosophy, particularly the principle of Anekantvad, that we can use as tools to guide us to a prejudice-free and discrimination-free community and future.

After this session, Saurabh Dalal initiated an experiment in Jainism. The experiment involved participants, during the convention, to follow the vow of Satya to a greater extent than what we normally may do in our daily lives. The aim of this experiment was to gain a better understanding and practice of truth. The idea, modeled after an experiment that was done in London a few years ago, was to try this as an experiment for the weekend, and then have a discussion about our experiences at the end of the weekend. Unfortunately, the follow up discussion did not occur due to the cruise dinner being delayed.

Afterwards, everyone had the opportunity to leave the boat and spend time in the Bahamas. Participants engaged in activities such as swimming, snorkeling, strolling through shops, and just relaxing. That evening, the cruise sponsored a formal dinner, so participants had the chance to dress to impress, and we had a group photo session.

Sunday morning began with a panel discussion on Jain Professionals Making a Difference: A Community Service Discussion, led by panelists Mruna Shah, Tushar Mehta, Bijul Dalal, and Jay Shah. We as young professionals have developed many skills and talents that we utilize in our lives. Often we fail to realize how these skills can also be of benefit to those in need, regardless of what our profession may be. This session addressed the religious basis of volunteering one's time, and how social and community activism can be one way to practice the ideals of Jainism. In this discussion, each of the panelists related their experiences with the services they have provided, including doing medical work in India, helping in a prison camp, teaching children with disabilities in Bangkok, and working with Habitat for Humanity. This was followed by a discussion on the importance of volunteer work and opportunities for getting involved. Participants became highly enthusiastic about the idea of serving those in need and expressed strong interest in incorporating some sort of community service in our next convention.

Next came a discussion on Understanding and Incorporating Jainism into Daily Life which, for maximizing discussion, was divided into two groups, one led by Jugna Shah and the other by Saurabh Dalal and Sunit Sanghrajka (both drafted at the last minute due to an unexpected illness). This session addressed how many of us practice Jainism without knowing what we are doing and why. Sometimes these practices have religious roots, but more often, they are rooted in cultural traditions. Following these traditions blindly gets frustrating as we get older, but to stop following them may make us feel as if we are abandoning our religion and/or culture or disappointing our parents. Issues that were raised include: How can we talk about Jain philosophies without being a “missionary”? How do we explain reincarnation in a way that our peers can understand? How can we believe in the equality of all souls and still forbid women to enter the temple during their menstrual cycles? Another goal was to address why there is often a discrepancy between having “Right Faith and Right Knowledge” but not “Right Conduct.” For example, having the knowledge that alcohol and dairy consumption go against ahimsa does not seem enough to make most us stop drinking or eating dairy products. Similarly is the case of aparigraha versus our consumption of material possessions. Thus, knowledge does not always translate into practice. Several members stated that patience, mindful thinking, small steps, continuous faith, and seeking knowledge were key elements that would ultimately lead to right conduct. Due to time limitations, extensive discussion was not possible; however, these issues will be addressed at future events.


Following a break for lunch and free time to enjoy the various activities on the boat, the group met for a final session on Future Directions of Young Jain Professionals. The goals of this session, led by Saurabh Dalal and Shilpa Shah, were to create a clearer vision and organizational structure of YJP along with setting its direction. The basic ideas and history of YJP were reviewed. Participants were invited to provide suggestions on the development of YJP, as many of them have had leadership experiences in the Jain community. Upcoming activities and gatherings were also discussed. These comments were all noted, and the planning committee is now in the process of discussing these ideas. Several people expressed strong interest in becoming involved with YJP, while many others expressed interest in hosting and organizing the next event.

Monday morning, when the boat returned to Miami, the group parted with a strong feeling of closeness and friendship. Many expressed eagerness for the next Young Jain Professionals convention.

This group will help us create networks and will foster friendships, establishing a Jain community for people who are young professionals. The convention filled a need many of us have felt for a long time. We don't quite fit into our parent's Jain community and our needs weren't being met with the younger YJA.
– Swapna Mehta, Houston, TX

I had a great time on the YJP Cruise (learning and having fun!), when's the next one?
– Mayur Mehta, Clarksville, TN

Even though I don’t speak to you all everyday... or even as often as I would like... you have all crossed my path of life in one way or another.... some of you I've only bumped into, some have walked a while with me... and some of you will continue to walk with me.
– contributed by Sejal Khandwala, Elk Grove, IL

First Annual Young Jain Professionals Convention
by Shilpa Shah

The first Young Jain Professional convention was held from January 16 to 19, 1998 in Miami, Florida. This event, organized by dedicated young professionals from around the country with support from YJA, was the first forum of this type. The purpose of this convention was to provide a forum for learning about and discussing issues that young Jains deal with in the professional world, and was geared primarily toward individuals between the ages of 22 to mid thirties, both single and married.

Participants came from all over North America, including Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Chicago, Toronto, Texas, and Los Angeles. The actual ages ranged from 22 to 37, with the average being 26.

The convention began Friday night with an opening speech by the chairperson, Shilpa Shah, followed by a welcome speech by a prominent member of the Jain Center of South Florida, Mr. Kan Mehta. After that, the group broke into icebreaker activities that facilitated getting to know each other.

Saturday morning began with a yoga and meditation session. The first lecture of the day consisted of an introduction to the Fundamentals of Jainism, by Pravin Shah. This session covered the basics of Jain philosophy to help prepare us for the topics ahead.

This was followed by a dynamic presentation on Applying Religion to Daily Life. This talk, by Pujya Bhramacharini Aparnaji of Shri Chinmaya Mission, allowed people to think about how happiness can always be found in the present. Injected with humor and stories that everyone could relate to, she inspired the audience to reevaluate the way in which we all view life, to enjoy it and not to be slaves to our negative thoughts.

Next came a panel discussion on Jain Ethics in the Science, Art, and Business of Medicine, led by panelists Jina Shah, a medical resident, Hemlata Pokharna, a medical researcher, and Mandakini Pokharna, a practicing physician. In this discussion, each of the panelists expressed their experiences and views regarding the reconciliation of their practice with their religion. Issues included prescribing animal derived medication, research on animals, viewing medicine as a business versus a service, and the role of prayer in healing. Additional concerns that were addressed included finding our voice as Jain physicians with patients and other physicians who don’t share our values, accepting gifts from drug companies, and negotiating the politics of academic medicine. Audience members posed many challenging questions that the panelists eloquently addressed.

After a break for a delicious Jain and vegan lunch, the participants engaged in a workshop on Balancing Career and Family. This interactive workshop, led by Jugna Shah, allowed the men and the women to have equal opportunity to express their viewpoints on the matter. It then encouraged each gender group to address concerns, thoughts, and misconceptions raised by the other group, thus enabling all of us to have a better understanding of each other and as we emerge into this stage of life.

Next came a discussion on Should Jains Be Prevented from Entering Certain Professions. This session, led by Jayshree Ranka and Mihir Shah, addressed an issue raised in our scriptures that states that we as Jains should not enter certain types of professions, including those which cause harm to living creatures and the environment. Concerns that were brought up included the practicality of such restrictions in modern times, the advantages of Jain representation in such fields, and the hypocrisy of reaping benefits of work that we ourselves are told not to engage in. The group’s diverse professional background enhanced the discussion because people brought up issues that they have had to face in their own careers. The day then ended with dinner in the Bayside area, followed by a dance party on a cruise.

Sunday morning began with a discussion on Ethical Issues Regarding the Legal Profession. This talk, led by Manav Jain, a third year law student at Pepperdine University, addressed issues such as defending people who are likely to be guilty, prosecuting against people who are likely to be not guilty, and the death penalty.

This session was followed by a workshop on nonviolent communication, led by Hemlata and Mandakini Pokharna. This session addressed how we can improve our communication skills with one another in the workplace and beyond, providing us with the tools to practice Ahimsa in our speech.

Next came a lecture on Socially Responsible Investing. This session, led by Cyndie Kessler, Investment Executive for Payne Weber, addressed the issue of how we can invest our money in companies that are more likely to be congruent with the Jain principle of Ahimsa. Issues of concern that were raised included examining environmental ethics, welfare of employees, and treatment of animals in companies that we invest in. Various forms of investments were discussed, including stocks, mutual funds, and IRAs. Many people found this to be an additional way that they can apply Jain principles to their lives.

After a break for lunch, everyone participated in a discussion on Becoming Active in the Jain Community: What can we do to make a difference. This session, led by Saurabh Dalal, brought out people's thoughts and ideas on what they would like to see emphasized or happen differently in our community. After various ideas were expressed, each person was challenged to see what s/he could do to make a greater difference.

Afterwards, the group went to South Beach, where we enjoyed activities such as Frisbee, football, and swimming, followed by dinner in the Coconut Grove area.

Monday morning we had a final session on Future Directions for Young Jain Professionals. The group decided that it was too premature at this point to plan on forming any kind of official committee or organization, but that we should focus our energies on informally planning events. Preliminary ideas included having another gathering in September.

As the group parted, we talked about seeing each other at the YJA convention in Houston.

Some comments that people had are included below.

The size was perfect. Most of the people who came were there not because they knew that their friends were attending (as happens with the YJA conference), but because they thought it would be interesting. The fact that it was a small group (as well as the general nature of the people attending) allowed everyone to participate during the sessions and stay together afterwards for the more social events.
- Jinendra Ranka

The convention had a good balance of educational and social activities. In the future I would like to see more time spent with each workshop, even if it means having fewer workshops.
- Nina Mutha

I thought that the blend of religious discussions and lectures, along with the social activities was really appropriate for our age group. The small turnout ended up being a plus because we all got to know each other better than if it had been a larger group.
- Anonymous

It was very well organized, good discussion topics, great medium of socializing. The age group was excellent.
- Rajan Shah

This conference achieved what no other has been able to: striking a balance between disseminating information/fostering a learning environment and allowing people to form strong ties with one another through interacting socially. The social time fostered a feeling of camaraderie, and the sessions allowed each of us to share our interpretations of different topics, how we integrate them into our lives, and where we want to see our organized Jain societies go in the future. All the attendees contributed to making this a success because just about everyone spoke up and shared a part of themselves, which always makes the sessions better. Something about the dynamic of this group was different than any other I have been in. I was comfortable and I feel others were too.
- Jugna Shah

Bonding occurred in both places, the sessions and the social events. We made new set of friends that we have a lot in common with as well as a lot of good.
– Anonymous

Educationally enlightening with dynamic discussions and sun-sational socializing - a very encouraging sign that the senior members of the younger generation are sincere in their commitment to Jainism.
– Saurabh Dalal